The City of Goleta is sharing this information from Community Partners in Caring

Community Partners in Caring launches mission::vaccinate

County-wide free rides literally give seniors a shot-in-the-arm

Community Partners in Caring is stepping up to answer the call from the White House to increase vaccinations for older seniors and those living with debilitating health conditions.

The nonprofit organization, which provides volunteer support services for Santa Barbara County seniors in need, has launched mission::vaccinate to provide free rides to get those in need aged 62+ to their vaccination appointments.

Through a combination of volunteer drivers, taxi company drivers, and other private pay providers, free rides will be given to vaccination sites for seniors. The program will cost participating seniors nothing and is just a call away.

“Homebound dependent seniors have always faced challenges to sustain daily living. The pandemic exacerbated those challenges,” said Vilma Contreras, Community Partners in Caring’s Executive Director. “We are rising to the challenge with this unique approach. We want nothing to stand in the way of a senior in need getting to their vaccination appointment.”

To be eligible for a mission::vaccinate ride, people must be at least 62 years of age, unable to drive, and must be able to walk without the assistance of their driver. Canes and walkers will be placed in the vehicle during the ride.

Additionally, younger riders over 18 who are considered “at risk” will also be accepted if their mobility is restricted by a chronic illness or disability and they lack access to transportation.

Those eligible in Santa Barbara County who are interested in a free ride to and from their vaccination appointment must first register for their free vaccination by calling 2-1-1 to make an appointment. Once registered, they must call the Community Partners in Caring office at 805-925-8000 for staff to arrange their ride (and ensure they are in a region of the county served by this program). Two-day advance notice is required and vaccination locations must be within 10 miles of the senior. Drivers and passengers must wear a face mask and follow COVID safety protocols at all times.

Community Partners in Caring is also actively recruiting new mission::vaccinate volunteer drivers to provide these life-saving rides to seniors. Volunteers must be non-smokers ages 21 or older and pass a local/national background check. They must also have access to a safe and reliable vehicle and carry automobile insurance. In addition to knowing they are helping our nation combat COVID, volunteers can create their own driving schedule, are eligible to receive mileage reimbursement, and can view ride requests from any electronic device.

“The simple act of driving your car can support seniors across the County and literally help save lives,” points out Chuen Ng, Community Partners in Caring’s Board President. “An hour a week – or even a month – can make a life-saving difference to the senior in your back seat.”

To sign up as a volunteer driver for mission::vaccinate, go to www.partnersincaring.org/volunteer or contact Community Partners in Caring at volunteer@partnersincaring.org or 805-925-8000. New volunteers go through an on-boarding and orientation process that takes one to two weeks and includes COVID-19 safety protocols and sanitation training.

mission::vaccinate will be providing these free rides to eligible area residents through May 31, 2021 or until project funds are exhausted.

In addition to launching mission::vaccinate, Community Partners in Caring’s volunteers also offer an array of other free helpful programs to area seniors, including grocery pick-up/delivery, free food delivery, senior programming enrollment, rides to medical appointments, yard work, and “friendly calls” to break up the day and reduce isolation. Tax-deductible donations to support this important work can be made by mail or directly through their website.

For more information about Community Partners in Caring, visit www.partnersincaring.org